The Process of Improving the Higher Education Funding Model Enters a New Phase

Within the framework of the higher education reform, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia Nunu Mitskevich held intensive meetings with the heads of state universities and their subordinate research institutes. The purpose of these meetings is to refine the new results-based funding model for higher education, taking into account the specifics of the universities. 

One of the main goals of the higher education reform is to strengthen the component of science in the new results-based funding model, which should be calculated using measurable indicators. Therefore, the refinement of the model is actively underway with the involvement of educational and scientific institutions. In turn, strengthening research institutes and supporting science will ensure its integration into the educational process. As a result, universities will be able not only to impart existing knowledge, but also to generate new knowledge with the involvement of young people.

To determine priority areas and identify successful research groups, meetings were held with:

• Representatives of Tbilisi State Medical University and its 2 subordinate research institutes
• Representatives of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and its 17 subordinate research institutes
• Representatives of Ilia State University and its 8 subordinate research institutes
• Representatives of the Georgian Technical University and its 15 subordinate research institutes

During the meetings, representatives of the institutes presented their scientific achievements and highlighted the needs, including in terms of infrastructure, that will contribute to the conduction of full-fledged scientific research. 

In addition, Nunu Mitskevich informed the scientists that the Ministry plans to be well-prepared for the launch of the European Union's upcoming framework program, Horizon Europe. According to her, mechanisms should be established that will significantly contribute to improving the success rate of participation of Georgian universities and research institutions.

Further meetings with target groups have also been scheduled in order to refine the new higher education funding model. Furthermore, working meetings will continue with scientific structural units under the subordination of the Ministry.